'Don’t ask me! I don’t want a promotion': China handbook reminds cadres what not to say

Communist Party cadres were called the “decisive factor” by Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung, the successors of the revolutionary cause who would “guarantee that our Party and country do not change their colour”.

But the release of a new handbook which "reminds" local officials how not to engage with the masses reveals that standards may be slipping forty years after the death of the Great Helmsman.

The book, released in the eastern city of Ningbo, contains dozens of words, actions and phrases that local Communist officials should avoid when they are dealing with the public.

“If something comes up you better not come to me - I’m not looking for a promotion!” is one such banned phrase, possibly as it indicates that public service is linked with ambition, rather than achieving the common good.

“Politics is a matter for the leaders. Us foot soldiers will be fine if we get our work done and support our families,” is another prohibited saying, as it could suggest a desire not to take on hard work.

Other phrases which should be avoided include: "The Communist Party is just as bad as you say," along with "The previous secretary was in charge of this. I don’t know it" and "Stop talking, get out!"

The book, which is called Reminding Handbook of Negative Remarks and Acts, is launched at a time of growing concern from Beijing that the party is losing its control over ordinary Chinese. Many people are angered by high-living officials in a country which has sharp divisions of wealth.

It contains 44 negative words and phrases and 24 examples of behavior which must be avoided, according to a report in the Qianjiang Evening News.

Beijing-based historian and commentator Zhang Lifan said the book is aimed at ensuring Communist Party members "behave".

"The reason why Chinese people join the party is because they can get benefits from the party," he told The Telegraph.

"But since you have benefited, you have no choice but to behave. Party members must defend the party and listen to its every word - even if it is wrong."

Local official Fang Hongzhu told the Qianjiang Evening News: “The negative remarks that are mentioned in the book do exist. The book can remind us how to be a qualified party member.”

Any cadres found to not be complying with the rules of the book will be asked “to speak with leadership”, the report said, and misdemeanors could affect “personal evaluation”.